Out of Hospital volunteer

A spell in hospital can leave an older person feeling anxious and sometimes quite vulnerable. The Out of Hospital (OOH) Service works together with clients for up to 4 weeks to reassure and help them in identifying what they need in order for them to get back on their feet and build that longer-term confidence following discharge from hospital. There is no charge for this service as it is funded by Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (GCCG).

As an Out of Hospital volunteer you will deliver one-to-one support and help provide that continuity of contact which will help to build client confidence over the longer-term. The nature of the support you offer will have been discussed with you following a home visit from one of the OOH trained Community Support Coordinators, but could include:

§  Following up with the service-user on an agreed course of action that they have committed to e.g. arranging an eye test

§  Encouraging them with a lost hobby or interest.

§  Discussing ways of connecting them with their communities

We aim to rebuild the client’s confidence and independence so your role may include accompanying them on a short walk, driving and accompanying them on a shopping trip, assisting them with outstanding correspondence or maybe helping them to contact friends and neighbours again. It does not include personal care such as bathing, dressing or toileting.

This is an ongoing service – but you will be asked to support each client for a maximum of 4 consecutive weeks, on a day and time to be agreed between you and the client.

§  A regular weekly commitment is needed whilst you are engaged with the client.

§  You will be expected to record your visits on a client record log and submit this to the OOH Administrative team once visits are complete

§  You will be expected to attend any relevant  training and will be invited to quarterly informal OOH volunteer meetings.

§  You will be expected to liaise closely with the Community Support Worker who undertook the original home visit and made the original referral to you for your ongoing support

Seeing someone begin to build their confidence and become independent again is incredibly rewarding.  The role also offers:

§  Valuable work experience

§  An opportunity to use and enhance your skills and maybe gain new ones

§  Make new friends

§  The knowledge that you have made a real difference

§  A chance to be involved with your local community

For more information contact Chris Walker on 01452 422660 or email at cwalker@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk

Tagged as: befriending, care in the community, hospital discharge, older people, social isolation, support